Indonesia's revised criminal code takes effect in January 2026 and introduces offences that could surprise unwary visitors. The law criminalises defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation and sex outside of marriage, and suspects can be held for long periods during investigations[1]. Because Indonesia's islands such as Bali, Lombok and Java are among the world's most popular tourist destinations, travellers must recognise that behaviours considered private elsewhere may carry serious legal penalties in Indonesia. The U.S. travel advisory notes that the code includes penalties for cohabitation and sex outside of marriage, though authorities have not clarified how the provisions will be enforced[2]. Tourists should avoid publicly criticising religion or government, as defamation and blasphemy provisions may be invoked, and always carry identification to avoid detention. In addition to legal risks, Indonesia's islands face frequent earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic activity; travellers should monitor local warnings and follow evacuation orders when necessary.
On 16 December 2025 the U.S. government issued a proclamation that partially suspends the entry of nationals from several countries with insufficient identity‑management and information‑sharing procedures. Effective 1 January 2026, nationals from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Tonga face suspension of entry as immigrants and as non‑immigrants on B‑1/B‑2 (tourist/business) and F/M/J (student and exchange) visas[3][4][5]. The proclamation explains that these Caribbean and Pacific island nations historically offered citizenship‑by‑investment programmes without residency requirements or had high visa‑overstay rates, prompting the restrictions. Consular officers will reduce the validity of other visa types to the extent permitted by law[3][4]. Travellers from these islands should closely monitor updates and consult their consulates before planning trips to the United States.
Tonga's travel advisory remains at Level 1 ("exercise normal precautions"), yet visitors should be aware of specific hazards. The official cyclone season runs November - April, and the Fiji Meteorological Service and Tonga Meteorological Society issue warnings for the South Pacific[6]. Travellers should check forecasts and be prepared for rapid evacuations during cyclones. The country's criminal code still criminalises sodomy; the travel information page notes that under Tongan law "sodomy with another person" carries a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment[7]. Emergency services and ambulances are not present throughout the country, often lack paramedics and equipment, and injured travellers may need to arrange private transportation to the nearest hospital[8]. Visitors should therefore purchase medical‑evacuation insurance and understand that cash payment is often required for health services.
The Maldives is an archipelago of more than 1,000 coral islands. The U.S. travel advisory highlights that attacks may occur on remote islands, which can lengthen the response time of authorities[9]. Visitors should therefore monitor local media, enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and remain aware of their surroundings[10]. Many islands are far from medical facilities, and serious injuries may require evacuation to India or Sri Lanka. The advisory reminds travellers to respect Islamic customs: modest dress is expected on non‑resort islands, and alcohol possession is illegal except at licensed resorts[11]. Tourists should also complete the required electronic customs declarations before arrival.
Although travellers to Antigua and Barbuda are advised to exercise normal precautions, there are important legal and health warnings. Consensual same‑sex sexual activity between adult men is illegal, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and local law does not extend spousal rights to LGB individuals[12]. Medical facilities do not meet U.S. standards, and there is no hyperbaric chamber; divers requiring treatment must be evacuated[13]. Visitors should obtain medical‑evacuation insurance and exercise caution when driving or using taxis, as road conditions are variable and unlicensed drivers have been known to overcharge tourists[14].
Dominica is known for its rainforests and hot springs, but travellers should remain vigilant. The government advises that consensual same‑sex conduct is illegal, and no laws prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation[15]. Medical facilities are limited and ambulance service is scarce; doctors and hospitals often require cash payment up front[16]. As in Antigua, road conditions are often poor; drivers may stop without warning, and animal hazards are common[17]. Travellers should take standard precautions: avoid walking alone at night, secure valuables and use only licensed taxis. While not targeted specifically at 2026, these advisories underscore the risks on remote Caribbean islands.
The Bahamas has a Level 2 advisory ("exercise increased caution") due to crime. Violent crimes such as armed robberies, burglaries and sexual assaults can occur anywhere, but are most prevalent in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands[18]. The advisory warns that medical care is limited on outer islands; serious health problems may require costly evacuation to the United States, and outer islands often have only small clinics[19]. Travellers should avoid remote or poorly lit areas after dark, secure valuables and avoid using unlicensed jet‑ski operators, as sexual assaults have been reported[20]. Because firearms and ammunition laws are strict and police enforce them even when travellers are departing, tourists should check luggage carefully[21]. The government urges travellers to buy evacuation insurance and register with STEP before travelling.
Haiti's situation is far more dire. The U.S. government has issued a Level 4 ("Do Not Travel") advisory, warning that kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, terrorist activity and limited health care services make travel extremely dangerous[22]. The country has been under a state of emergency since 2024, and crimes involving firearms -- robberies, carjackings and sexual assaults -- occur daily[23]. Kidnappings are widespread; gangs target convoys and demand large ransoms[24]. Travellers are urged not to cross the border into Haiti from the Dominican Republic; the government notes that it has very limited ability to assist citizens in Haiti due to the instability[25]. Because the risks are extreme and the advisory is indefinite, most travellers should avoid Haiti altogether.
The Cayman Islands Government issued a Public Health Travel Advisory covering 12 December 2025 - 30 January 2026. The advisory warns travellers of arboviral infections -- dengue, chikungunya, Zika and Oropouche -- and a leptospirosis outbreak. It lists symptoms such as high fever, rash, severe headache, nausea, muscle and joint pain[26] and urges anyone with fever plus another symptom to seek free testing[27]. Mosquito‑borne viruses are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes; travellers are advised to wear long sleeves and pants, remove standing water, use window screens or mosquito nets, and apply insect repellents containing at least 50 % DEET[28]. None of the illnesses are endemic to the Cayman Islands, but authorities caution that travellers arriving from Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, Panama, Honduras or Costa Rica could be exposed[29]. For leptospirosis, the advisory recommends avoiding floodwater and muddy areas, wearing protective footwear, and covering cuts[30]. Because the islands' climate supports mosquitoes year‑round, these precautions remain relevant beyond January 2026.
The advisories summarised above highlight diverse threats -- from new criminal laws in Indonesia to public health warnings in the Caribbean and Pacific. Travellers to border islands should understand local legal systems, respect cultural norms and follow guidance from official meteorological and health agencies. Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance and registering with consular services are essential steps. Because advisories can change rapidly, travellers should check official government websites before departure to ensure they have the most current information.